Headlines From The Times

Utah police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in the killing of Charlie Kirk after a family member reported his confession and investigators recovered a rifle nearby. President Trump announced that National Guard troops will be sent to Memphis, with support from Tennessee’s governor. In Chicago, an ICE arrest turned deadly when a suspect dragged an officer with his car before being shot. In business, the world’s largest toymakers opened a new showroom hub in El Segundo near Mattel. An analysis found San Francisco housing costs have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with wages up but rents topping $3,000 for a one-bedroom.

The FBI released images of the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing as the manhunt nears 24 hours. California lawmakers passed a bill shielding students from punishment when calling 911 for overdoses. In Florida, the trial begins for Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump. In London, Britain fired its U.S. ambassador over ties to Jeffrey Epstein. In business, Amazon launched its Zoox robotaxi service in Las Vegas, and the Girl Scouts unveiled a new rocky road cookie while retiring two fan favorites.

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, sparking a shelter-in-place search for a suspect. Poland says it downed multiple Russian drones that violated its airspace, prompting NATO consultations. In Los Angeles, two women’s remains were found in separate towed cars. In business, Rivian will lay off about 200 employees as federal EV tax credits expire and DoorDash will test warehouse-based drone deliveries in San Francisco.

Sean Astin is looking to become the next president of SAG, Karen Bass endorsement for Governor of California, Gavin Newsom's speech, Israel strikes Doha, Automotive Industry efficiency rollbacks, and California Fair Plan fire claims.

Six people are killed after gunmen open fire at a Jerusalem bus stop. The U.S. Supreme Court clears the way for mass deportation sweeps in California. Attorney General Rob Bonta sues LA County over dangerous jail conditions. A push to repeal LA’s $30 hotel wage fails. House Democrats release a Trump-linked Epstein letter. SpaceX buys $17 billion in spectrum to expand Starlink service. South Korea secures the release of detainees after a U.S. raid at a Hyundai plant.

Nearly 500 workers were detained in a federal immigration raid at Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant, sparking diplomatic involvement from South Korea. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western troops sent to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets.” In Los Angeles, the 405 Freeway through the Sepulveda Pass faces weekend closures as a major repaving project begins. Meanwhile, President Trump hosted Silicon Valley leaders at the White House, where executives pledged billions for AI and manufacturing as part of his push to keep U.S. tech globally competitive. In business, McDonald’s is cutting meal prices while Erewhon plans an exclusive NYC tonic bar.

Los Angeles has cut street homelessness by 14% in two years, but $90 million in budget cuts threaten those gains. Nearly 900,000 Americans have lost their jobs this year, with AI cited in thousands of layoffs. Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers face an NBA investigation into a $28 million salary cap scheme involving a bankrupt company. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Trump’s Guard deployment cost L.A. taxpayers $120 million, while Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced bipartisan criticism in a Senate hearing. In business, Salesforce says AI replaced 4,000 support roles, while a federal judge ruled Google won’t have to sell its Chrome browser but must follow tighter rules.

California, Oregon, and Washington launch the West Coast Health Alliance to shield public health from political interference. Climate scientists issue a 500-page rebuttal to a federal report downplaying global warming. Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse rally at the Capitol demanding release of DOJ files. Authorities shut down Streameast, the largest illegal sports streaming site, after a global investigation. A judge allows scrutiny of State Farm’s claims practices amid rate hike hearings. And Google faces backlash from YouTube creators after using their videos to train AI tools.

A federal judge ruled President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles was illegal under the Posse Comitatus Act. Israel mobilized 60,000 reservists as its Gaza offensive escalated, sparking protests and warnings from aid groups. In Los Angeles, a football booster admitted paying families to transfer athletes, while California faces triple-digit heat, lightning, and rising wildfire risk. In business, OpenAI was sued after parents alleged ChatGPT gave their son suicide instructions, and the U.S. suspended the “de minimis” exemption on cheap imports, raising costs for online shoppers and challenging retailers like Shein and Temu.

Thousands of migrants who once risked everything to reach the US are now turning back. Duty-free shopping may be at risk. LA public defenders are working to remove an acting US attorney. Israel declaring Gaza's largest city a dangerous combat zone. Open AI creating jobs despite negative pushback over teen suicide. California workers not returning to office.

Russia launched one of its largest airstrikes on Kyiv since the war began, killing at least 18 and injuring dozens, with missiles striking government buildings and international offices. In Southern California, three high schools forfeited volleyball matches rather than face a team with a transgender athlete, thrusting a 17-year-old student into the spotlight of a national debate. California’s Attorney General announced a reform agreement with the Torrance Police Department after a racist text scandal exposed nearly a dozen officers. Meanwhile, federal officials say immigration raids will “ramp up” in Los Angeles and other sanctuary cities, with Chicago possibly next on the list. In business, AI company Anthropic settled a copyright lawsuit with authors and a Stanford study found entry-level coders face steep employment outlooks as AI adoption spreads.

President Trump is asserting greater federal power in Washington, D.C., seizing control of Union Station and pledging billions to remake the city. In South Asia, devastating floods in India and Pakistan have killed more than 800 people since June, displacing hundreds of thousands. In Minnesota, a gunman opened fire at a Catholic school, killing two students and injuring 17 others before taking his own life. Meanwhile, Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center could be empty within days after a federal judge ordered its closure. In business, State Farm faces fire-claim rebukes while California unions hold steady.

President Trump moves to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, setting off a historic legal and financial battle. California faces rising COVID-19 cases tied to a new variant, while vaccine approvals remain stalled. Trump extends TikTok’s shutdown deadline once again, leaving its future uncertain despite a congressional ban. In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike on a hospital kills 20, fueling protests and renewed ceasefire demands. Beverly Hills schools weigh displaying the Israeli flag on campuses during Jewish Heritage Month. And in fashion, models confront AI-generated rivals as debates over consent and pay intensify.

Israeli airstrikes killed 19 people in Gaza, including five journalists working at Nasser Hospital, underscoring the dangers for media in the nearly two-year war. In the U.S., Kilmar Abrego Garcia has surrendered to ICE and faces possible deportation to Uganda, a move his lawyers call life-threatening. Meanwhile, investigators intensify the search for missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro as his parents face murder charges. And in Los Angeles, police announced the arrest of a burglary ring responsible for over 100 break-ins across the city. In business, L.A. short-term rentals continue to decline, while Google unveils its AI-powered Pixel 10 phone.

The FBI searched the home and office of former national security adviser John Bolton as part of a classified documents probe, highlighting the Trump administration’s legal fights with ex-officials. In California, the parents of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro were arrested on suspicion of murder, though the infant has yet to be found. In Washington, D.C., nearly 2,000 National Guard troops will soon be armed as Trump expands his crackdown on crime. Meanwhile, a federal judge blocked Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention camp expansion, citing environmental and human rights concerns. In business, Minnesota sues TikTok and HelloFresh settles a $7.5 million case.

Russia launched one of its largest assaults on Ukraine, firing more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles overnight. Former President Barack Obama endorsed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s controversial redistricting plan, intensifying the partisan fight over election maps. In the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to approve a Gaza City takeover, sparking protests in Israel. And in business, Downtown L.A.’s graffiti towers continue to sit idle, while worker safety concerns mount amid California’s dangerous heat wave.

Educators and activists rally for the release of an LA high school student detained by immigration agents, while President Trump escalates his push against the Smithsonian and other museums he accuses of promoting “woke ideology.” In Los Angeles, election technology firm Smartmatic faces federal corruption charges tied to alleged bribery schemes and misuse of taxpayer funds. Meanwhile, new developments emerge in the Menendez brothers’ case. In business, Tesla comes under mounting legal pressure over its self-driving technology and California braces for the closure of its last beet sugar factory.

Mediators in Qatar push for a ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas signals openness to a new proposal, while Israel prepares for a major offensive. President Trump assures he won’t send U.S. troops to Ukraine, clarifying earlier remarks as he seeks to broker an end to the war. In Los Angeles, Metro bus ridership continues to decline, raising questions about the impact of immigration raids and financial pressures. In business, Roblox faces lawsuits over child safety, accused of failing to protect kids from predators. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s plan to expand launches meets regulatory resistance.

Governor Gavin Newsom calls a November special election to redraw California’s congressional maps in a bid to favor Democrats, sparking criticism over undermining the state’s independent process. President Trump prepares for a surprise U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Vladimir Putin is bluffing about peace. LA28 secures a historic deal allowing corporate naming rights for 2028 Olympic venues. In Washington, D.C., federal officials clear homeless encampments under Trump’s crime crackdown. In business, an unusual chip deal between Trump and tech giants draws legal concerns, while OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch meets mixed reviews.

Border Patrol agents raid near Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting announcement in Los Angeles, drawing condemnation from local leaders. In Washington, D.C., officials sue to block President Trump’s federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department. Along the southern border, U.S. immigration agents deploy AI-powered drones to track migrants in Arizona. And in California, health officials warn that valley fever cases are rising at record rates, with infections spreading beyond traditional hotspots. In business, Ford invests $2 billion to convert a Kentucky plant for electric vehicles, while L.A. considers converting empty skyscrapers into housing.

Governor Gavin Newsom calls a November special election to redraw California’s congressional maps in a bid to favor Democrats, sparking criticism over undermining the state’s independent process. President Trump prepares for a surprise U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Vladimir Putin is bluffing about peace. LA28 secures a historic deal allowing corporate naming rights for 2028 Olympic venues. In Washington, D.C., federal officials clear homeless encampments under Trump’s crime crackdown. In business, an unusual chip deal between Trump and tech giants draws legal concerns, while OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch meets mixed reviews.

Los Angeles schools announce new security measures to protect immigrant students from ICE activity as classes resume. In Gaza, Israeli gunfire kills 25 near aid sites while displacement plans draw criticism. California leaders push back against possible National Guard deployments and a federal ban on benefits for undocumented immigrants. In business, Tesla’s board grants Elon Musk a $29 billion stock package to retain him as the company shifts toward robotics and AI, even as it appeals a ruling striking down his 2018 pay plan — and Claire’s files for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years.

Democratic lawmakers accuse ICE of concealing poor conditions inside a downtown Los Angeles detention site, sparking renewed oversight calls. A new study on a massive Myanmar earthquake offers scientists fresh insights into how California’s “Big One” might strike. In Texas, Republicans plan to end the current special session and begin another after redistricting efforts stall. And nationwide, hiring slows sharply as tariffs and trade policies weigh on the economy, with Amazon announcing 110 layoffs in its Wondery audio division.

One person is dead and another missing after a massive explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh, prompting urgent rescue efforts and a shelter-in-place order. In Gaza, a strike on a journalists’ tent killed seven, including prominent Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al-Sharif, drawing international condemnation. Disney reports strong streaming growth despite theatrical losses, with plans to merge Disney+ and Hulu next year. And in California, wildfire survivors accuse the state’s last-resort insurer of illegally denying smoke damage claims, prompting state intervention.

New Medicaid work requirements could strip health coverage from millions, with California officials warning that over 3 million residents may be affected. The mandate, signed into law by President Trump, takes effect after the 2026 midterms and has sparked growing concerns over access and eligibility. Meanwhile, sweeping new tariffs on imports from more than 60 countries have taken effect, drawing criticism from economists and global leaders who warn the economic impact could escalate in the months ahead. Southern California faces triple-digit temperatures as a major heat wave peaks, with only slight relief expected over the weekend. The Gifford Fire has burned more than 96,000 acres, with two other wildfires still active amid dangerous winds and dry conditions. L.A. homeowners accuse the U.S. Army Corps of mishandling post-fire debris cleanup after January’s blazes, leaving hazardous materials behind. The company plans to merge Disney+ and Hulu into one app next year, signs a $1.6 billion deal with WWE, and acquires NFL Network ahead of its ESPN streaming launch. Meanwhile, California’s FAIR Plan faces state action over allegedly illegal denials of smoke damage claims from January’s Eaton Fires, as homeowners report being left to clean toxic debris themselves or accept low settlement offers.

A soldier opens fire at Fort Stewart in Georgia, injuring five before being taken into custody. Army officials say the shooter used a personal weapon, and investigations are underway. Then, in Los Angeles, Border Patrol agents carry out a pre-dawn immigration raid at a Home Depot, arresting at least 16 migrants. A murder in the Hollywood Hills reveals a secret network of high-stakes underground poker involving celebrities and organized crime. In Los Angeles, residents take safety into their own hands by painting illegal crosswalks, prompting the city to act. Thousands of Boeing workers walk off the job at military plants across the Midwest, demanding better pay and overtime protections. And American Eagle stock jumps after President Trump praises a controversial ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, despite backlash over its messaging and imagery. We break down four stories shaping headlines across the country today.

Congress issues subpoenas for Epstein records, targeting the DOJ and former top officials. UCLA prepares to negotiate with the Trump administration after $336 million in research funding is frozen. Governor Newsom unveils a “trigger” redistricting plan that would redraw California’s congressional maps—only if Texas moves first. Meanwhile, a heatwave threatens to worsen California’s wildfire season, with evacuations already underway. A jury orders Tesla to pay $243 million over a fatal Autopilot crash, its biggest courtroom loss yet. And Google loses an antitrust appeal to Epic Games, in a case that could reshape how millions of users access and pay for apps.

Two people are dead and six injured after gunfire erupted at a music festival after-party in downtown Los Angeles. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to remove Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a GOP-backed redistricting plan aimed at securing congressional control. Tourism to Las Vegas declines as fewer Californians and international travelers visit. A new public database releases millions of police misconduct records across California. Major companies continue to move out of the state, citing cost and regulation, though economists say California’s economy remains strong. And Indian-owned businesses in Southern California brace for a 25% tariff on imports, raising concerns about higher prices and reduced sales.

A new study finds the pandemic accelerated brain aging—even for those who never caught COVID—raising questions about long-term mental health impacts. The U.N. urges tech giants to switch data centers to 100% renewable energy by 2030 to curb AI’s soaring power demands. California car dealers brace for a final rush as the federal EV tax credit nears its end. And Silicon Valley startups gamble billions on defense manufacturing, hoping contracts follow investment. Subscribe for these stories and more from the LA Times.

California officials urge caution along the coast after an 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s east coast sparks tsunami advisories and beach closures, even as warnings ease by midday. Meanwhile in Ukraine, Russian missile strikes kill three soldiers and wound 18 at a training base near Kyiv. With recruitment challenges mounting and civilian casualties rising, Ukraine faces mounting pressure as President Trump’s peace talks deadline approaches. We cover the latest updates from the Pacific coastline to the front lines in Eastern Europe. LAPD’s quiet cooperation with federal immigration raids sparks debate over civil rights and local trust. Kamala Harris announces she won’t run for California governor, leaving Democrats searching for a strong contender. The U.S. economy shows solid second quarter growth but faces troubling signs ahead, from shrinking imports to rising inflation. And Apple loses another top AI researcher to Meta, deepening concerns over its competitive future. Stay with us for these stories and more from the LA Times.

UCLA settles a $6.45 million lawsuit from Jewish students over pro-Palestinian protests they say excluded them from campus life. California and other states sue the Trump administration to keep Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding for essential health services. A January wildfire in Los Angeles could cost as much as $51.7 billion in home damages alone. And an El Segundo startup unveils a robot that blends AI and Japanese tradition to make sashimi more humanely and affordably.

Wallis Annenberg, whose decades of giving transformed Los Angeles’ cultural and civic life, has died at 86, leaving behind a profound legacy across education, healthcare, and the arts. Meanwhile, President Trump escalates pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, cutting a 50-day peace deadline to less than two weeks after renewed Russian attacks.Lawyers sue Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center over detainees held without charges. California and other states take on the USDA for demanding personal data from SNAP recipients. Thousands of Stater Bros. grocery workers authorize a strike across Southern California stores over labor disputes. And a dating safety app suffers a major data breach, exposing tens of thousands of user images and IDs.

California moves to fill a critical gap in disaster research after the Trump administration slashes EPA funding. State Democrats then weigh redrawing congressional maps to challenge GOP efforts in Texas. Lyft plans to roll out autonomous shuttles next year, aiming to catch up in the robotaxi race. And Activision Blizzard takes cheat developers to court worldwide, hoping to curb rampant hacking in Call of Duty. Four stories showing how policy, technology, and the courts shape life and business today.

UCLA researchers install sensors to protect Palisades residents from post-fire air pollution. A federal appeals court strikes down California’s voter-approved background checks for ammunition, citing Second Amendment rights. Food delivery robots roll out across Los Angeles, sparking debate over convenience and jobs. And despite Amazon’s extended Prime Day, shoppers turn to Walmart for better deals on everyday essentials. Four stories tracking health, law, technology, and shifting consumer habits across California.

President Trump imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese goods as part of a new trade deal he claims will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, while warning the EU of more tariffs ahead. Meanwhile, a Times investigation into January’s deadly West Altadena fire reveals critical delays and misallocated resources left residents largely unprotected during the worst hours. A judge blocks the Trump administration’s effort to unseal Jeffrey Epstein’s grand jury records in Florida. Another court stops ICE from immediately detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia after a wrongful deportation. Uber tests a women-only ride option in California aimed at safer travel. And the White House launches an AI plan to cut regulations and speed development, drawing support from tech leaders and criticism from civil rights and environmental groups. Four stories shaping law, policy, and technology in the U.S. today.

Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 people in Gaza, including women and children, as Christian leaders call for an end to the nearly 21-month war. The Trump administration pressures Israel to conclude the conflict after a deadly church strike, while ceasefire talks in Qatar stall. Meanwhile, the U.S. announces it will leave UNESCO again, citing alleged anti-Israel bias and divisive agendas—just two years after rejoining. Erik Menendez, imprisoned for the 1989 killing of his parents, seeks early release to treat a serious medical condition ahead of a parole hearing that could test his life sentence. Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell moves for prison relief from her sex-trafficking conviction as the Justice Department plans to meet with her lawyers and considers new subpoenas. Public and political pressure grows for answers in the Epstein case, even as Congress leaves Washington without voting to release more related files.

Britain, France, and 23 other countries demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, accusing Israel of blocking aid and worsening the humanitarian disaster. Meanwhile, Russia launches one of its largest air attacks on Kyiv in months, killing civilians and damaging shelters just before NATO meets to weigh President Trump’s plan to arm Ukraine. California sues the Trump administration over restrictions that block undocumented immigrants from vital public benefits. The Pentagon pulls Marines out of Los Angeles after protests against immigration raids. The FDA appoints biotech executive George Tidmarsh to lead drug regulation under RFK Jr., amid calls for reform. And In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder announces she’s leaving California, joining a wave of businesses moving east while the burger chain keeps its roots on the West Coast.

Los Angeles County reports a second year of declining homelessness, but progress remains slow as looming federal cuts threaten housing aid for over a million low-income renters. Meanwhile, Californians turn to personal firefighting devices to protect their homes, sparking debate over safety and effectiveness. Plus, a federal court blocks the FTC’s “click-to-cancel” rule, leaving consumers to find new ways to end unwanted subscriptions.

The U.S. Justice Department demands lists of all noncitizen inmates from California jails, challenging the state’s sanctuary laws and threatening subpoenas if counties don’t comply. Meanwhile, the University of California considers raising its annual tuition increase cap from 5% to 7% to address budget cuts, inflation, and reduced federal support. Critics worry the plan focuses more on revenue than student aid, while a cohort-based tuition freeze is set to expire in 2026.

At least 20 Palestinians die in a stampede at a Gaza food distribution site, with conflicting accounts of what triggered the deadly panic. Meanwhile, President Trump shocks his own supporters by dismissing demands to release Jeffrey Epstein’s client list, calling it a “Democrat hoax.” The U.S. sends migrants from Jamaica and Cuba to Eswatini under new third-country deportation deals. California’s National Weather Service faces dangerous staffing cuts as wildfire season intensifies. San Francisco and San Jose emerge as national leaders in AI innovation, while Los Angeles ranks close behind. And downtown LA businesses call for help to recover from immigration raids, tariffs, and pandemic-related losses. Listen for these stories and more from LA Times Studios.

USC warns of major layoffs and pay adjustments to close a $200 million deficit, citing falling federal support and international enrollment, while staff blame costly campus projects. Meanwhile, President Trump sends more U.S. weapons to Ukraine and gives Moscow 50 days to agree to peace or face new sanctions. Trump faces backlash from his base over conspiracy theories demanding an Epstein list the DOJ says doesn’t exist. Courts block his immigration raids in Southern California, ruling agents can’t target people by race or language alone. Meanwhile, Nextdoor struggles to revive its app with AI and news partnerships after stock losses, and SpaceX plans to use Starship for in-orbit drug research. Together, these stories show political turmoil and bold business moves shaping headlines.

UC Berkeley’s chancellor prepares to testify before Congress as lawmakers investigate antisemitism and federal probes target universities nationwide. Meanwhile, a worker dies fleeing a federal immigration raid on a Camarillo pot farm that led to hundreds of detentions, sparking debate over enforcement tactics. We look at how civil rights, campus politics, and immigration enforcement collide as pressure mounts on schools and communities across the country. The Supreme Court allows President Trump to overhaul the Education Department, drawing praise from his administration and sharp criticism from educators. Trump gives Russia 50 days to end the war in Ukraine or face new tariffs targeting its trade partners. Teen developers on Roblox earn millions as the platform relaxes ownership rules. And Elon Musk plans to direct Tesla investments into his AI company, XAI, while assuring shareholders the two firms will remain separate despite controversy.

California officials warn that federal budget cuts are undermining critical wildfire prevention and water programs—but say the state is fighting back. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, tourism leaders are working to boost California’s image despite safety concerns and financial risks. We also look at how AI chatbots are complicating disaster misinformation, and report on Tesla’s first deliveries to India as it seeks to tap into the country’s growing auto market.

Los Angeles County launches an investigation after a sanitation tunnel collapse traps 31 workers underground. Governor Gavin Newsom tours South Carolina, drawing both praise and criticism over his national ambitions. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s soundstage operators hope new state tax credits will revive production after a historic slowdown. Plus, a watchdog warns of a 400% surge in AI-generated child abuse imagery, calling for urgent regulation. Stay tuned for these stories and more from the LA Times newsroom.

Protesters in Santa Monica rally against Trump’s immigration raids and question the legacy of hometown figure Stephen Miller. California farmers dismiss claims that machines or Medicaid recipients can replace undocumented workers and urge legalization for essential labor. Homicides in Los Angeles fall 20%, setting the city on pace for its lowest total since 1968 despite LAPD budget concerns. Officials failed to act on federal disaster warnings before fires in L.A. and floods in Texas, delaying evacuation orders. Mattel debuts its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes to reflect more children’s experiences. Linda Yaccarino steps down as CEO of Elon Musk’s X amid advertiser exits and controversy over antisemitic posts by the platform’s AI chatbot.

The Supreme Court allows Trump to move forward with mass federal layoffs, while L.A. cracks down on “renovictions” to protect tenants. In tech, Meta poaches a top AI executive from Apple. Governor Newsom demands long-term disaster aid as a new lawsuit threatens funding for Latino and low-income college students. And Amazon’s Prime Day sees slower sales and fewer discounts amid rising tariffs.

Seven are confirmed dead after a pyrotechnics warehouse explosion in Northern California. Firefighters battle the Madre Fire, the state’s largest blaze of the year. President Trump signs a sweeping spending bill that boosts military and immigration enforcement while cutting aid programs. Proposed NIH budget cuts freeze thousands of medical research projects. The Justice Department says Epstein had no client list, contradicting prior claims. Masked ICE raids spark lawsuits in L.A. State Farm faces investigation over wildfire insurance claims. And a GOP bill ends federal EV tax credits, threatening adoption.

California fire season is off to a dangerous start, with experts warning of a severe year ahead. A California man is indicted for sharing a hit list with a white supremacist terror group. Nordstrom announces it will close its Santa Monica store after 15 years, amid concerns over safety. And the L.A. City Council approves a $425 million plan to use “mansion tax” funds for affordable housing and homelessness programs.

A new Gallup poll shows national pride is dropping—especially among Democrats and Gen Z. Tesla sales continue to decline amid political backlash tied to Elon Musk. Tinder rolls out mandatory facial scan verification in California to fight scams. And despite growing divisions, Fourth of July fireworks celebrations are still happening across L.A., from the Hollywood Bowl to Catalina Island.

Sean “Diddy” Combs avoids the most serious charges in a closely watched federal case. A new poll shows Kamala Harris is a clear favorite in the California governor’s race—if she runs. Jane Fonda and other celebrities call out Amazon over treatment of pregnant warehouse workers. And Microsoft announces layoffs, joining a growing list of tech companies cutting jobs in California.